Tuesday, May 5, 2009

I have some meat friends and some vegetarian friends. The two group usually don't go out together. I enjoy lots of vegetarian foods, but I also enjoy an occasional meat-centered meal. So, my Northern Cal meat friend and library school buddy Brian and I went to the House of Prime Rib in San Francisco.

The House of Prime Rib.Since 1949.As the name implies, they serve Prime Rib (there is one fish option...by why?)So old school.I felt like I was in Mad Men (sans the smoking at the table).

Let's start...

Brian begins with a Manhattan (they make them strong says Brian). We eat some warm bread...all the while trying to pace ourselves so we don't fill up on carbs! (Remember, I had a huge brunch and Indian food earlier in the day...and I've been avoiding red meat for two weeks before our trip! I'm prepared!)

Our waiter does that old school table side salad presentation (look at the concentration on his face!) I'm eating it all up like a high school girl on a prom date. I'm a nerd and took a bunch of photos (without flash at 800 ISO so some are blurry).

No arugula here. Iceberg, beets and hard boiled egg. Oh yes.

Holy crap. Carlos (of course, I remember the meat guy's name and not our waiter) comes around with the rolling cart o' meat. Step aside, this is a high occupancy meat vehicle.

This is Brian's plate (House of Prime Rib Cut). I got the smallest portion (City Cut) but it was still huge. It was so delicious and perfect that I was able to cut it with my butter knife and didn't even pick up the steak knife. Served with creamed spinach that is more cream than spinach.

A fluffy Yorkshire pudding soaks up the au jus with joy.

I mentioned my love of all things horseradish to the waiter and he brought me the pure stuff. They also offer one cut with whipped cream and one mixed with mayo. But I think those are weak. I like the "clear out the swine flu" horseradish (I am Japanese American and enjoy wasabi, another type of horseradish, so it figures!)

I need to rewind the surveillance tape because I have no idea how or why we ordered dessert. Did I mention that I finished my prime rib?! Somehow we ate 90% of this strawberry shortcake. It didn't knock my socks off but perhaps that is because I was so full already. The shortcake was more spongecake than biscuit.

Here's Brian in Lafayette Park. We hiked up the hill to this Pacific Heights park. We both knew we needed to walk a bit after our meal!! You can view author Danielle Steele's huge Spreckels Mansion from this park.

Beautiful cherry blossoms in Lafayette Park. It's spring in San Francisco. It's a great dinner. It's a great Day 2 of my mini-break.

If you are in San Francisco and want some excellent service and prime rib, pay a visit to the House of Prime Rib!